The Witch's Heart

A witch falls in love with Loki and brings the wrath of the gods upon her.

Angrboda is a jötunn (AKA giant or frost giant in some tales) witch and escapes her third burning. She flees in her weakened state to a forest where she encounters Loki. They strike up a friendship and Loki frequently visits Angrboda in her cave in Jotunheim.

Skadi happens upon Angrboda and is impressed with her potion-making. Angrboda is able to live comfortably in her cave with Skadi bringing the goods she earns trading Angrboda's potions.

After marrying Loki, Angrboda bears him three children -- Hel, whose legs are white or dead skin, the wolf Fenrir, and snake Iormungand. Loki is forced to marry another in Asgard, and when his wife finds out about the witch and her "monster children" the gods of Asgard react.

The novel is slow to start as it's mostly Angrboda in her cave with infrequent visitation from Loki or Skadi. The pace picks up once her children are born, but it's still a plot-light novel. I expected a novel about the gods of Asgard to have more action!

Jayne Entwistle's voice is deep and wizened, making the narration sound like a village elder telling a story around a campfire.

Recommended for fans of Norse mythology or Viking tales.

Genevieve Gornichec is a debut author living in Cleveland, Ohio.

Publisher: Ace Books (print); Penguin Audio

Narrator: Jayne Entwistle

Running Time: 12 hours, 4 minutes

Length: 368 pages

Release Date: February 9, 2021

I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.